, 1887-09-20
THE ODD FELLOWS.
A Representative Gathering in
Denver.
Meeting Of the Grand Sovereign
Lodge Of the World.
Grand Reception at the Tabor
Opera House.
The Odd Fellows IN Denver.

Il En- oCpl. lJ.-1uG sovereign
grand lodge of the world, l. o. o. F.,
which assembled in this city to day, is
one of the most important events in the
history of Denver. For several DAYS ex-
cursion trains have arrived from almost
every state and territory bearing repre-
sentatives and members of the order
until the hotels and boarding houses are
overlooking with visitors, whose numbers
are estimated at over 10, 900. The city
has assumed a holiday appearance in
honor Of tine occasion and all the princi-
pal streets and business houses are dec.
GRATED with flags, bunting and banners
bearing emblems of the order. The
strangers have been most courteously
received by the members of the lodges
in this city, and extensive arrangements
were mad for their entertainment while
here, one feature of which will be a
mammoth excursion through the Grand
and Black canyons and to all the princl
pal cities and places of interest in the
state.
At s o'clock this morning the grand
encampment of Colorado assembled at
Odd Fellows hall, Lawrence street. and
from thence proceeded to the Windsor
hotel and escorted the sovereign grand
lodge to the Tabor Grand opera house
where a reception was rendered by the
city and state. Members of the grand
lodge and their ladies' we're seated upon
the main floor. Grand Sire White occu
pied a position in the center of the stage,
and Gov. Adams and Mayor Lee were
seated upon his right and the officers of
the grand lodge and grand encampment
of Colorado on his left hand and in the
rear.
After prayer by Grand Chaplain Rev.
w. Venable, who invoked Divine guidance
In the deliberations of the lodge, Governor
Adams, who delivered a most eloquent
address, welcomed the visitors in behalf
OF the state. Mayor Lee followed in
behalf of the city OF Denver. Hon. David
RluRle, grand master OF Colorado, was
then introduced, but was compelled to
excuse himself from speaking on account
of a severe cold. Grand Secretary j. NJ
Norman was the next speaker. He spoke
briefly, reviewing the history of the order.
After the band rendered Hail to the
Chief, Chairman Cobb introduced Grand
Sire L. b.. White, who said;
am sorry for my hearers. On ac-
of the manner in which | was intro
duced 1t no doubt has caused them to ex
pect a grand speech. | left my fathers
farm when but Is years OF age, and since
that time l have been fighting the battle
of lite alone and getting along as best [
could. L received a common school edu
cation. am not an orator and cannot
talk to you after the eloquent manner the
whom God In his wisdom has vouchsafed
eloquence and a splendid education. l
am only a plain, blunt man. am not
equal to the occasion. From the t~ullness
OF an overlooking heart and in behalf of
half a million members of this order |
thank you. | thank you most cordially
for this reception and magnificent display.
The world may think that Colorado is
unknown to the Independent Order OF
Odd Fellows, but | assure the world that
Colorado is known wherever Odd Eel
lowshlp is known. While the RECEPTION
accorded us in Boston in 1886 surpassed
everything of the kind l have ever
known, this is the first time in the hlsto-
ry of the sovereign grand lodge that we
have received a continued ovation from
the beginning Of our trip to the present
time. In Missouri we were met by our
brethren and rendered a cordial reception,
and in Kansas it was one cordial ovation
We were met on the confines of Colorado
by your governor and cordially welcomed.
You may not know what kind of
men we are. We are not of those who
carry lofty heads and strut through great
cities; nor those who are influential in
politics. We are Just plain, common
men. There are lew millionaires among
us, but they are as a rule men who have
had to begin at the bottom of the ladder
and work up. Most of us have had to
hoe our own row. We have worked at
the forge, in the shop and in the Office.
1t is time now to conclude these exer-
cises. We nave work to do and we came
here to work. In conclusion, | return
thanks to all Odd Fellows and citizens of
this city. Be assured as long as we live
the name of Colorado will even remain
| with us.
The reception then adjourned. The
sovereign grand lodge was called to order
at the chamber of building by
the grand sire at II 20. President Ashley
was introduced and made a speech of
welcome, after which the lodge went into
secret session which lasted until 3 p. IN
and hen adjourned until 9 to morrow
morning.
To night there was a post grand repre-
sentatives reunion |. o. o. f. at the
Tabor Grand opera house from s to 10.